Lianne La Havas

Lianne La Havas – Biography

Lianne La Havas first began to make music at the age of 7. Rather than being pushed into lessons by over-zealous parents, Lianne was given her first keyboard by her father and was allowed the pleasure of being left to her own devices. She began to sing not long after, but under less happy circumstances.

Still just seven years old, Lianne, like most children, wanted to be part of the popular clique at school. Unlike most children, Lianne's initiation was more like an audition – the cool gang at Lianne's school was open only to those that could sing! Double-crossed by the friend she was going to audition with, Lianne sang to herself anyway, and found something much more than a means to an end; she discovered her passion.

Lianne nurtured her talent singing in school choir’s and musicals; all the while feeding her voracious musical appetite with a broad range of influences. Far from turning her into an imitation, Lianne’s influences helped her find her own voice. From heroines of relative antiquity like Nina Simone, to contemporary Neo-Soul pioneers like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu; great voices inspired Lianne to use her own, ever growing in skill and confidence.

It was during her foundation year at art school that Lianne made the leap into a full-time music career. Already working part-time as a backing singer, she decided to leave her course and concentrate solely on music. Another backing vocalist gig, this time with Paloma Faith, brought her into contact with future musical collaborators and led to her decision to launch a career of her own.

In the two years since then, Lianne has gone from strength to strength. Spending time on both sides of the Atlantic working with a select number of producers and playing shows to captivated audiences in London, Paris, and New York. Having signed to Warner Bros Records earlier this year, Lianne has an EP out now and a full album next year. The future looks very bright indeed for this remarkable talent.